Public school robberies alarm SP
LINGAYEN— Prime suspects have been identified in the loss of more than half a million worth of office equipment in the rash of robberies in 23 public schools in the province.
These were the initial findings that surfaced during last week’s probe of the sangguniang panlalawigan into the rampant robbery in schools over the first quarter of the year.
Dr. Donato Balderas Jr., superintendent of Pangasinan Schools Division II (4th, 5th and 6th congressional districts), told board members that last month alone, four schools under him were ransacked by robbers, namely, Sumabnit National High School in Binalonan (April 17), San Vicente Elementary School in Sta. Maria (April 20), Tomana Elementary School in Rosales (April 26) and Palac-palac Elementary School in Pozorrubio (April 28).
About P400,000 worth of computers and other electronic devices had been carted away by robbers, he said. Robbery occurred between 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Allen Lamtiwan from Mt. Province was identified by the police as suspect, with three other John Does, in at least two robbery incidents, Balderas said. They remain at large.
Dr. Danilo Sison, superintendent of Alaminos City Schools Division, told the board members that Palamis Elementary School was also robbed in March with almost P100,000 worth of computers and other gadgets.
Angeline Casipit, chief of schools governance in Pangasinan Division 1, said in February, Umanday Central School in Bugallon and Bongalon Elementary School in Labrador in February were also robbed. Primicias Elementary School in Mapandan town was also victimized by robbers in March.
Two other incidents were recorded on April 24 in Canan National High School in Malasiqui town, Sampaloc National High School in Bolinao as well as Paitan Integrated School in Sual.
Even as the school officials said they have established linkages with the barangay councils, Parents Teachers Association and the police, the board members recommended that budgets be allocated for the hiring of local security possibly with the help of Local School Boards.
The installation of CCTV cameras in bigger campuses was also recommended.
However, the provincial board was silent on any commitment to provide funds for the schools’ added security measures.
P/Sr. Superintendent Belli Tamayo, the new officer-in-charge police director, earlier told the provincial board that town police chiefs had been directed to intensify patrol in schools to help avert robbery incidents. He told them to coordinate with school authorities for the security of their schools. (Tita Roces/Johanne Macob)
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